Archiviazioni mensili: febbraio 2012

feb 25 2012

Low-level laser therapy alleviates neuropathic pain and promotes function recovery in rats with chronic constriction injury-possible involvements in hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)

J Comp Neurol. 2012 Feb 20. doi: 10.1002/cne.23072. [Epub ahead of print]

Hsieh YL, Chou LW, Chang PL, Yang CC, Kao MJ, Hong CZ.

Source

Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan 40402. sherrie@mail.cmu.edu.tw.

Abstract

Nerve inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of neuropathic pain after chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Recent studies have indicated that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is crucial in inflammation. Low-level laser therapy has been used in treating musculoskeletal pain, but rare data directly support its use for neuropathic pain. We investigated the effects of low-level laser on the accumulation of HIF-1α, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in controlling neuropathic pain, as well as on the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in promoting functional recovery in a rat CCI model. CCI was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve of rats. Treatments of low-level laser (660 nm, 9 J/cm(2) ) or sham irradiation (0 J/cm(2) ) were performed at the CCI sites for seven consecutive days. The effects of laser in animals with CCI were determined by measuring the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, as well as the sciatic, tibial, and peroneal function indices. Histopathological and immunoassay analyses were also performed.Low-level laser therapy significantly improved paw withdrawal threshold, and the sciatic, tibial, and peroneal functional indices after CCI. The therapy also significantly reduced the overexpressions of HIF-1α, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and increased the amounts of VEGF, NGF, and S100 proteins. In conclusion, a low-level laser could modulate HIF-1α activity. Moreover, it may also be used as a novel and clinically applicable therapeutic approach for the improvement of tissue hypoxia/ischemia and inflammation in nerve entrapment neuropathy, as well as for the promotion of nerve regeneration. These findings might lead to a sufficient morphological and functional recovery of the peripheral nerve. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID:22351621

 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Pubblicato su PubMed a http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22351621

feb 23 2012

Efficacy of low level laser therapy associated with exercises in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind study

Clin Rehabil. 2011 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Alfredo PP, Bjordal JM, Dreyer SH, Meneses SR, Zaguetti G, Ovanessian V, Fukuda TY, Junior WS, Martins RA, Casarotto RA, Marques AP.

Source

Department of Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the effects of low level laser therapy in combination with a programme of exercises on pain, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.Design: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with sequential allocation of patients to different treatment groups.Setting: Special Rehabilitation Services.Subjects: Forty participants with knee osteoarthritis, 2-4 osteoarthritis degree, aged between 50 and 75 years and both genders.Intervention: Participants were randomized into one of two groups: the laser group (low level laser therapy dose of 3 J and exercises) or placebo group (placebo laser and exercises).Main measures: Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), functionality using the Lequesne questionnaire, range of motion with a universal goniometer, muscular strength using a dynamometer, and activity using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire at three time points: (T1) baseline, (T2) after the end of laser therapy (three weeks) and (T3) the end of the exercises (11 weeks).Results: When comparing groups, significant differences in the activity were also found (P = 0.03). No other significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in other variables. In intragroup analysis, participants in the laser group had significant improvement, relative to baseline, on pain (P = 0.001), range of motion (P = 0.01), functionality (P = 0.001) and activity (P < 0.001). No significant improvement was seen in the placebo group.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that low level laser therapy when associated with exercises is effective in yielding pain relief, function and activity on patients with osteoarthritis of the knees.

PMID:22169831

 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Pubblicato in PubMed a http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22169831

feb 20 2012

Pain threshold improvement for chronic hyperacusis patients in a prospective clinical study.

Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Jun;28(3):371-7.

Zazzio M.

Source

Audio Laser-Kliniken, Flygeln, Hovmantorp, Sweden. audiolaser@mail.nu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to investigate if laser therapy in combination with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy/repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) would lead to positive treatment results for hyperacusis patients.

BACKGROUND DATA:

Eight of the first ten patients treated for tinnitus, who were also suffering from chronic hyperacusis, claimed their hyperacusis improved. Based upon that, a prospective, unblinded, uncontrolled clinical trial was planned and conducted. ROS and hyperacusis pain thresholds were measured.

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